Shoppers will have their say on conservation plans

Stuart Barber

Exciting new plans to give other parts of Falkirk’s historic town centre a new look will only go ahead after shoppers and businesses have had their say.

Work refurbishing the town’s iconic Steeple is already well underway by conservation experts as part of the ambitious Townscape Heritage Initiative, but further developments could see more well-known locations restored and repaired to make them more attractive.

It is believed they could all benefit from a tasteful ‘facelift’ including resurfacing, replacement lighting and street furniture and better signage that would encourage more visitors and boost business.

Plans and final designs have still to be agreed - but feedback from a three-day ‘drop in’ consultation in the Howgate last month and the views of traders and the public will be taken on board before any scheme starts.

The THI is focussed on delivering key economic and heritage projects to protect the future of the area.

Nearly £6 million worth of funding is available from the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland’s Conservation Regeneration Scheme.

Improvements to the Steeple, Falkirk’s most prominent historic landmark, will cost £748,000 and take around ten months to complete. The specialist restoration work will include repairs to stonework and replacing windows.